Can ayahuasca reduce inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity? A pilot study
WaiFung Tsang, Simon Ruffell, Nigel Netzband, Angelina Jong, J. Rucker, Q. Deeley, J. Hollingdale
Drug Science Policy and Law January 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1177/20503245231215413 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Adults who attended ayahuasca retreats in Peru reported fewer symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity afterward, regardless of retreat length or number of ceremonies. In an exploratory pilot study, 49 adults completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale before and after retreats lasting 8 days to 4 weeks. Scores for inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and total symptoms all dropped significantly. Only four participants had a prior ADHD diagnosis. The findings suggest ayahuasca may be associated with reductions in core ADHD features, but controlled trials are needed to confirm causality.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 49 |
| Population | Adults attending ayahuasca retreats in Iquitos, Peru |
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Self-reported inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity scores significantly decreased after ayahuasca retreats, regardless of retreat length or number of ceremonies. |
Abstract
Background The potential benefits of ayahuasca on mental health conditions are well documented. This pilot study is the first to explore whether there is an association with ayahuasca use and reductions in inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, the core features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Methods In this exploratory, observational pilot study, the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale was administered to 49 adults (23 males, 24 females, two participants did not report their sex) prior to and following the completion of ayahuasca retreats facilitated by the Ayahuasca Foundation in Iquitos, Peru. Only four participants self-reported having a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Participants attended either an 8-day (four to five ceremonies), 2-week (six ceremonies), 3-week (eight ceremonies) or 4-week (three to 11 ceremonies) retreat. Results Inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and total scores significantly reduced following an ayahuasca retreat, irrespective of the length of that retreat and the number of ceremonies participants attended. Conclusions This pilot study is the first to find reductions in self-reported inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in a sample of mostly non-attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder adults following the use of ayahuasca. However controlled trials are required to determine causality. Research and clinical implications are considered.